Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are key elements of recovery and improvement of physical functions for patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or suffering from chronic diseases and musculoskeletal conditions. These treatments aim to restore patients’ mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a branch of medical science that uses various physical methods, techniques, and exercises to help patients recover from injuries, reduce pain, improve strength, flexibility, and coordination, and return to their daily activities.

What are the goals of physical therapy?

The main goals of physical therapy include:

• Pain reduction: Using methods such as electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, and laser therapy, physical therapists can help reduce pain caused by injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions
• Increased mobility: Stretching and mobilization exercises help restore joint and muscle mobility, improving functionality and preventing deformities
• Muscle strengthening: Specialized muscle strengthening exercises help rebuild strength, particularly important after injuries or surgeries
• Injury prevention: Learning proper techniques for daily activities can reduce the risk of new injuries
• Improved functionality: The goal of therapy is for patients to return to their daily activities without pain or movement limitations

When is physical therapy needed?

Physical therapy can be beneficial in many situations, such as:

• Postoperative recovery: After orthopedic or neurological surgeries, physical therapy aids faster recovery, restoring mobility and functionality
• Musculoskeletal injuries: Physical therapy services are essential for patients who have suffered injuries like sprains, strains, fractures, or dislocations
• Chronic diseases: Individuals with chronic back pain, arthritis, or fibromyalgia can benefit from physical therapy that improves mobility and relieves pain
• Neuromuscular diseases: Patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can use physical therapy to preserve or restore function and mobility

Techniques and methods of physical therapy

Physical therapists use various methods to help patients recover, improve functionality, and reduce pain:

• Kinesitherapy (exercise therapy): Specialized exercises that help restore muscle and joint strength, flexibility, and coordination
• Electrotherapy: Uses electrical energy to stimulate muscles and nerves, reducing pain, improving circulation, and accelerating recovery
• Magnetotherapy: Uses magnetic fields to reduce inflammation and pain, and improve tissue regeneration
• Ultrasound therapy: Uses ultrasonic waves to reduce pain, improve circulation, and accelerate tissue healing
• Cryotherapy (cold therapy): Uses cold to reduce inflammation and pain, especially after acute injuries or surgeries
• Laser therapy: Applies low-energy lasers to stimulate tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery

How does physical therapy help in rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation involves the process of restoring physical and functional abilities after injury, illness, or surgery. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation as it focuses on restoring physical function and reducing symptoms such as pain and stiffness. Therapeutic approaches within rehabilitation may include:

• Individualized rehabilitation plan: Based on each patient’s specific problems, the physical therapist develops a therapy plan including specific exercises and techniques
• Pain control: Techniques such as electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, or cold therapy help reduce pain and inflammation
• Improved mobility and strength: Through physical exercises and therapeutic methods, patients gradually return to full functionality
• Prevention of new injuries: Education on proper technique for daily activities and advice for maintaining musculoskeletal health

Physical therapy at Atrijum Sarajevo Polyclinic

Atrijum Polyclinic in Sarajevo provides physical therapy and rehabilitation services under the expert guidance of Prim. Dr. Vildana Zejnilagić Filipović, specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Zejnilagić Filipović, with extensive experience in rehabilitation, carefully approaches each patient, developing personalized therapeutic plans that enable faster and more effective recovery.

At Atrijum Polyclinic, patients can access various types of physiotherapy treatments, including:

• Magnetotherapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Electrotherapy
• Kinesitherapy
• Laser therapy
• Cryotherapy

Modern medical equipment

At Atrijum Polyclinic, modern diagnostic devices such as RTG and CT 160 slice machine play a key role in diagnostics before determining therapy. These devices provide detailed insight into the musculoskeletal system, joints, bones, and internal body structures, which is extremely important for establishing an accurate diagnosis. Based on the obtained results, our specialist team can develop a personalized therapy plan encompassing all aspects of physical therapy and rehabilitation.